The Lab
Specimen No. 0077
AvoidMineralfood additivecolorant

Titanium Dioxide in Food (E171)

titanium dioxide food · e171 · food grade tio2

White colorant used in candies, chewing gum, and sauces. The EU banned it as a food additive in 2022 after EFSA found it could not be ruled out as a genotoxin.

high confidence
Researched April 18, 2026

Concerns

  • EU banned E171 in food (2022) — EFSA found genotoxicity cannot be excluded
  • Nanoparticle fraction may penetrate intestinal wall and cause inflammation
  • DNA strand breaks observed in in vitro studies
  • Still permitted in US food at "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) — under review

Regulatory flags

  • EU banned as food additive E171 (2022) — EFSA concluded cannot be considered safe
  • EFSA 2021 opinion: genotoxicity concern

Commonly found in

Candy coatingChewing gumSalad dressingFrostingWhite sauces

Research disclaimer: This rating is based on available peer-reviewed research and regulatory assessments at the time of publication. It is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for personal health or skin concerns.

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LabelCleared verdict badge: Titanium Dioxide in Food (E171) — Avoid
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